Global Patent Index - EP 0408401 A1

EP 0408401 A1 19910116 - A keyboard for an electronic apparatus.

Title (en)

A keyboard for an electronic apparatus.

Title (de)

Tastatur für einen elektronischen Apparat.

Title (fr)

Clavier pour appareil électronique.

Publication

EP 0408401 A1 19910116 (EN)

Application

EP 90309322 A 19830622

Priority

  • EP 83303591 A 19830622
  • US 43806682 A 19821101
  • US 40105382 A 19820722

Abstract (en)

The present invention is a low cost electronic apparatus construction method which may be employed for hand held calculators, electronic learning aids and electronic games. The primary electrical circuit interconnection pattern of the electronic apparatus is printed upon a part of the case of the apparatus (11) which must be nonconducting. This printed circuit pattern (12) together with the constuction of the back case (11) includes connection portions (21, 22 and 23) for electrical connection to the major components of the apparatus which may include an integrated circuit (15), a display device (16) and an electrical power source (17). The primary circuit pattern printed on the back case includes a plurality of interleaved comb key switch positions (17). The keyboard is constructed employing a plurality of keys aligned in registration with the key switch portions (26), each key having a shorting bar (104) for causing electrical connection across the key switch portion when the key is depressed. The top case (13) of the apparatus has an aperture for viewing the display device and a plurality of apertures for the keys. The keyboard may alternatively be constructed of a flexible membrane (12) in which pressure on a key switch position (163) causes electrical contact with a conductive ink (153) disposed in a depression (152) in the case (150) of the apparatus. In an alternative embodiment, the top case also includes an aperture enabling light to shine on a photovoltic power cell (19) employed to generate the electric power needed to operate the apparatus.

IPC 1-7

G06F 15/02; H01H 13/70; H05K 3/12

IPC 8 full level

G06F 15/02 (2006.01); H01H 13/702 (2006.01); H05K 1/00 (2006.01); H05K 3/32 (2006.01); H01H 13/703 (2006.01); H05K 1/05 (2006.01); H05K 1/09 (2006.01); H05K 1/14 (2006.01); H05K 1/18 (2006.01); H05K 3/36 (2006.01); H05K 3/46 (2006.01)

CPC (source: EP)

G06F 15/0216 (2013.01); H01H 13/702 (2013.01); H05K 1/0284 (2013.01); H05K 3/321 (2013.01); H01H 13/703 (2013.01); H01H 2203/02 (2013.01); H01H 2203/03 (2013.01); H01H 2207/002 (2013.01); H01H 2207/004 (2013.01); H01H 2207/008 (2013.01); H01H 2207/016 (2013.01); H01H 2209/074 (2013.01); H01H 2211/028 (2013.01); H01H 2215/008 (2013.01); H01H 2219/01 (2013.01); H01H 2219/011 (2013.01); H01H 2223/022 (2013.01); H01H 2229/004 (2013.01); H01H 2229/006 (2013.01); H01H 2229/018 (2013.01); H01H 2229/034 (2013.01); H01H 2231/002 (2013.01); H01H 2239/01 (2013.01); H05K 1/056 (2013.01); H05K 1/095 (2013.01); H05K 1/144 (2013.01); H05K 1/182 (2013.01); H05K 3/325 (2013.01); H05K 3/368 (2013.01); H05K 3/4664 (2013.01); H05K 2201/09036 (2013.01); H05K 2201/0999 (2013.01); H05K 2201/10037 (2013.01); H05K 2201/10053 (2013.01); H05K 2201/10128 (2013.01); H05K 2201/10689 (2013.01)

Citation (search report)

Designated contracting state (EPC)

DE FR GB

DOCDB simple family (publication)

EP 0100144 A2 19840208; EP 0100144 A3 19870902; EP 0100144 B1 19931222; DE 3382730 D1 19940203; DE 3382730 T2 19940707; DE 3382783 D1 19950427; DE 3382783 T2 19950727; EP 0408401 A1 19910116; EP 0408401 B1 19950322

DOCDB simple family (application)

EP 83303591 A 19830622; DE 3382730 T 19830622; DE 3382783 T 19830622; EP 90309322 A 19830622